Lehighton sex offender suspect turns himself in

A Lehighton man wanted by police in another state has turned himself in to authorities.

An arrest warrant was issued in Colorado for Louis H. Smith, 48, of 3860 Long Run Road, on charges of sexual exploitation of a child, and criminal attempt to commit sexual exploitation of children.

Smith turned himself in locally to state police on Feb. 3 when he was notified of the arrest warrant. He was arraigned before District Judge Bruce Appleton of Palmerton, and is free on bail pending an extradition hearing.

According to an affidavit of probable cause filed by Pennsylvania State Police Trooper H. Christopher Bonin:

On Jan. 26, an arrest warrant was filed for Smith in the Adams County Combined Court in Adams County, Colorado, according to the affidavit.

The arrest warrant was for Internet sexual exploitation of a child, and criminal attempt to commit sexual exploitation of children, the affidavit says.

The arrest warrant was filed by Detective Mark Michieli of the Adams County Sheriff's Department in Adams County, Colorado, according to the affidavit.

On Jan. 31, at about 6 p.m., Bonin made contact with Smith via cellular phone. Smith was traveling for his work and related he would not be able to turn himself in at the immediate time.

On Feb. 1, Bonin was contacted by Smith's attorney, Brian Collins. Arrangements were made with Collins that Smith would turn himself into Bonin on Feb. 3.